Ribeiro Happy to Stay in D.C.

“I think we have a good thing going here,” Ribeiro, 33, said after opting out of Wednesday’s optional practice. “We’re close to the division [lead], close to making the playoffs. I don’t really see myself moved or signed today. We’ll just get focused for the game tomorrow.”

Ribeiro is in the final year of a contract that pays him $5 million a season. He has made no secret that he would like to remain with the Capitals even though he reportedly turned down a thee-year contract with $14 million. That had not changed on Wednesday.

“I still have the rest of this year on my contract,” he said. “Nothing changes. I still have a lot of time after today if they want to sign me or not. For me it’s to keep playing and make the playoffs and at some point we can talk and get things going and see where it goes from there.”

Ribeiro is tied for second on the Caps with 35 points in 36 games, two points behind Alex Ovechkin. Playing between Troy Brouwer and Brooks Laich he has given the Caps the second-line center they’ve been seeking for years.

“He brings a whole other dynamic to the team,” Capitals center Jay Beagle said. “I’ve never played with a player like him before. He’s so relaxed and he makes the game look so easy out there. Ribs bring this slow-it-down mentality. He’s very slippery, very tricky. He’s a one of a kind, I think.” Read more at CSNWashington.com.